At E3 Mad Catz announced their new range of controllers, peripherals, and accessories, as well as teased a new series of Call of Duty: Black Ops-branded surround sound gaming headphones under their newly acquired Tritton brand. Now, Mad Catz has finally lifted the veil on the new lineup and IGN has all of the details as well as video first look.
The new headphone lineup will incorporate three models, the Call of Duty: Black Ops Dolby Digital True 5.1 ProGaming Headset, the Dolby Headphone 5.1 ProGaming Headset, and the True 5.1 ProGaming Headset, which feature custom Call of Duty: Black Ops logos and art and will ship world-wide for the 2010 holiday season.
The top tier product, the Call of Duty: Black Ops Dolby Digital True 5.1 ProGaming Headset, is the only of the series to incorporate four unique drivers in each ear, which represent center, front, surround, and subwoofer channels for an immersive three-dimensional audio experience. The surround sound is processed by a dedicated 5.1 surround sound processor, which features a wide range of controls for a high level of personalization. The system also includes an in-line controller to alter the mix of each sound channel on the fly, as well as the volume of voice communications. The system is compatible with the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, including integrated communication via a detachable boom microphone.
The headset will come packaged with its own padded Call of Duty: Black Ops-branded carrying case, which stores the headphones, processing unit, interchangeable leather and fabric earpads, and all necessary cables. The sides of the headset feature glowing Tritton logos and Call of Duty: Black Ops branding. The Dolby Digital True 5.1 ProGaming Headset will cost $249.99 and will be exclusive to Best Buy in the United States.
For those looking to save a little extra cash, Tritton has also produced a simulated surround version of the ProGaming headset, Dolby Headphone 5.1 ProGaming Headset, which will cost only $199 but will be exclusive to GameStop in the United States. The Dolby Headphone variation will feature its own dedicated surround sound processor with custom audio controls, as well as an in-line volume control for fast audio adjustments. Like the True 5.1 version, the Dolby Headphone comes with its own special carrying case and interchangeable earcup padding. The Dolby Headphone variation, unfortunately, lacks the illumination of the True 5.1 system.
Finally, Tritton has crafted a headset specifically for PC, the True 5.1 ProGaming Headset for PC, which sheds the dedicated surround processors in exchange a direct USB or multichannel cable system that plugs directly into your computer's existing sound card for a full 5.1 surround sound experience. The headset itself utilizes four drivers in earcups, and like the other variations, comes with its own carrying case and interchangeable earcups as well. The True 5.1 ProGaming Headset is the cheapest of the three with an MSRP of $149.99 and will be available wherever Tritton headsets are available.
For all the latest on Call of Duty: Black Ops, as well as the new headsets and accessories from Mad Catz and Tritton, stay tuned to IGN.com.
